"Glavbolgarstroy" with accelerated progress on the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor

Georgi Velev

The Vertical Gas Corridor gives the countries of Central and Southeastern Europe many opportunities that go beyond the traditional understanding of sovereignty, independence and competitiveness. Countries that are partners and allies, today together we are enabling the construction of infrastructure that will guarantee energy security and independence - both in terms of supply and transmission. Cheap and secure energy is not a matter of political debate, but of a better life for our citizens and better opportunities for business.” With these words, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov began an inspection of the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor in our country in the section between Kulata and Kresna.

The Vertical Gas Corridor is a joint initiative of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova and Slovakia. Its goal is to improve security and ensure diversification of gas transmission sources and routes.

Completion of the project within the set deadlines

I believe that we will complete the sections of the Vertical Gas Corridor qualitatively and on time. This was stated today by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov during the inspection. Diplomats, ministers and heads of state visited the looping Kulata-Kresna, through which the capacity of the existing gas pipeline increases by 50% - from 2.3 billion cubic meters to 3.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas transmission per year.

According to Minister Stankov, the fact that this project is supported by seven countries is key to its successful implementation. In the construction of the corridor, leading Bulgarian and international companies create added value in our country and this is an excellent opportunity for development and transfer of technologies, the Minister of Energy also said before the start of the inspection. The additional revenues that Bulgaria will receive from the operation of the facility will enter the state budget and thus will benefit the entire society, the Minister of Energy also said.

Difficult terrain for building a gas pipeline

The first 15 km. pipes of the 48-kilometer route between Kulata and Kresna have already been laid and welded, with almost the entire section cleared and prepared. Glavbolgarstroy bears full responsibility for the construction of the gas transmission network in our country, part of The Vertical Gas Corridor, and will implement the projects on time and within the budget. This is what Kalin Peshov, Chairman of the Management Board of Glavbolgarstroy, assured during today's inspection of the project in the area of ​​the village of Mikrevo, Strumyani municipality. In his words, "Glavbolgarstroy is implementing all stages of the project - from route selection, design and administrative procedures to implementation and commissioning. The construction is extremely challenging - with five crossings under the Struma and Strumeshnitsa rivers, under railway lines and a highway, and with nearly 450 people on site," Peshov explained to the heads of state and diplomats today.

He recalled that in the last 15 years alone, the Bulgarian company has built 300 km of new gas pipelines. The company has worked on practically all modernizations of compressor stations and injection facilities in our country, and abroad, GBS has also implemented a key gas transportation project - construction of a gas pipeline for the LNG terminal on the Croatian island of Kruk.

Energy Security in Action

It is very difficult to unite seven countries and gas transmission operators around a common concept, but when it comes to ensuring diversification of routes and a good specific market, as well as natural gas prices that are beneficial to Bulgarian business, it is proven that we can cope with these challenges. This was stated by the Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz Vladimir Malinov during the inspection

According to him, the initiative enjoys international support precisely because of its significance. This joint project is important not only because of its regional value, but also because it is a symbol of the solidarity that all participating countries show towards Moldova and Ukraine, in order to provide them with the opportunity for alternative supplies of liquefied natural gas. Malinov was categorical that with the implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor, the entire region will gain the opportunity for energy security.

Global companies participate in the delivery and installation of the pipes

The Bulgarian part of the Vertical Gas Corridor includes three main sections: the "Looping from Kulata to Kresna" site, the "Transmission Gas Pipeline from Piperevo to Pernik" site and the "Looping from Rupcha to Vetrino" site. Through them, the country is taking a decisive step towards a more secure, more connected and energy-independent system.

Specifically for the "Kulata-Kresna" section, GBS managed to bring two ships to the port of Burgas with pipes manufactured in India. According to Peshov, the project is international not only in scale, but also in terms of participation – in the construction, operation and future of the facility. The cameras are from Germany, the automation – from an American company, the electronic systems – from Italy, the cranes – from Turkey, and the barriers – from Greece.

Minister Stankov specially congratulated the Glavbolgarstroy team because in just 30 days they managed to lay 20 kilometers of pipes, and 15 km of them have already been welded.

Additional gas route for Hungary too

The more energy sources a country has, the more stable and secure it is in its supply. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, during the ceremony.

Szijjártó stressed that Hungary understands and highly appreciates Bulgaria’s efforts as a reliable partner in gas transmission. "Today we are witnessing a fast and efficient construction of a new gas pipeline, which provides an additional route for gas supply to Hungary," he added. Szijjártó added that the pipeline will also pass through Romania, which will increase the capacity between Romania and Hungary.

What is the loop?

The loop from Kulata to Kresna includes a linear part, a Kulata pipeline cleaning station and a Kresna pipeline cleaning station. The project envisages the construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline with a diameter of 700 mm and a length of about 48 km, as well as the accompanying technological facilities. After completion, the transmission of natural gas in both directions will reach an enviable 3.6 billion cubic meters per year.

The project is implemented by the associations "HILL INTERNATIONAL - GBS 1" and "HILL INTERNATIONAL - GBS 3", in which "Glavbolgarstroy" partners with the internationally recognized American companies HILL International, Honeywell, Emerson and CRC Evans.